Ds started to learn at around 8. Dh put "scratch" on a computer for him and he started with that. It's a bit like programming in basic - quite straight forward. It's fairly limited in what you can do, but it gave ds a basic insight into how a programming language works. He then started to learn Java programming use BlueJ which (as I understand it) is an interactive Java learning environment.

We use scratch on the Raspberry Pi. You can plug the Pi into the TV via the HDMI socket, and plug an Ethernet cable in to access the Internet. If you live near London, you could send DS on a FireTech camp (google it) to learn coding over a week.

Also check out https://youngrewiredstate.org/ for free programming courses for under 18's across the whole country. They run a nationwide festival of code, totally funded, the first full week of August every year, and next year it will be across Europe apparently.

DS1 started going to a coding club at the local library when he was 8, it was initially for 9 and over but they have since changed it to 11 and over but have allowed him to keep going, he absolutly loves it and they do loads of stuff - programme robotic arms, make little robots, and are now currently creating a new messaging app between them.

Thank you BrieAndChilli all a bit beyond me 😀 Think I need to book on a course. I think your DS may be too young for the residential course I have seen. It does state 12-17 I wondered if it was mainly older teens who went. Thanks again